Home » Sport » Uefa slammed by Arsenal and Chelsea fans after admitting 'logistics' are reason behind small Baku allocation despite hosting it 3,000 miles away

Uefa slammed by Arsenal and Chelsea fans after admitting 'logistics' are reason behind small Baku allocation despite hosting it 3,000 miles away

05/10/2019

UEFA have lifted the lid on the reason why Arsenal and Chelsea have been allocated just 6,000 tickets each for their Europa League final clash on May 29 in Baku.

The Gunners expressed their disappointment at the news last night after they beat Valencia to seal their place in their first European final since 2006.

Supporters have been left outraged after Uefa declared that airports won't be able to handle an influx of 15,000 fans arriving into the country – almost 3,000 miles away from London.

While Arsenal ace Henrikh Mkhitaryan may miss the match against the Blues over fears for his safety due to political tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

A Uefa statement read: "Based on Uefa's recent experience with Uefa Europa League finals and the Uefa Super Cup in comparable venues the number of finalists’ supporters requesting tickets for a Uefa Europa League final can vary greatly from club to club.

"Of course, it is impossible to predict in advance which clubs will reach the final while the venue has to be chosen around two years in advance.

"Taking into consideration the above and most importantly the geographical location and logistical capacity of airports in and around the host city, it was deemed that around 15,000 spectators would be able to travel from abroad (this includes finalists’ fans and general public), with Baku as the main hub.

"Offering more tickets to fans of the participating teams, without any guarantee that they would be able to arrange suitable travel to reach Baku, was therefore not a responsible option.

"Based on these circumstances, for this year’s Uefa Europa League final in Baku, 6,000 tickets have been made available to each of the finalists.

"Uefa remains in close contact with the finalists regarding the travel arrangements of their supporters and any other operational aspects with regards to the final."

Offering more tickets to fans of the participating teams, without any guarantee that they would be able to arrange suitable travel to reach Baku, was therefore not a responsible option.

Commenting on their statement, one said: "Hosting a final in a country barely in Europe was a sensible option though? Jesus!"

While another tweeted: "@UEFA this is disgusting treatment to the clubs and more importantly, the fans!

"All or definitely a lot more tickets should go to the fans. The corporates can sod off!"

One posted: "The absolute farce of Baku continues to grow. UEFA admit that they have only given 6,000 tickets to clubs because the airport can’t cope with more."

Another added: "This UEFA statement is basically an admission the main flight paths/transport infrastructure in and out of Baku cannot cope with more than a very modest fan allocation per team for the Europa League Final. Maybe don’t stage it there then?"

While one said: "Cheers UEFA u (sic) thieving w******. Remember where your money comes from…..people like us who watch and support our teams. You are a disgrace to humanity."

One commented: "@UEFA Erm, as much as I’m sure the stadium is great and Baku looks a stunning city, why hold a final in such a location?

"Suggests fans are not part of UEFAs consideration in such decisions? No surprise there then!"